Strokes are among the three leading causes of death and disability, apart from heart attacks and cancer. It is common and affects one in six persons worldwide. Most often strokes occur due to blockage of blood supply to brain and in some cases, due to rupture of blood vessels in the brain, leading to hemorrhage.

SYMPTOMS COMMON SYMPTOMS THAT APPEAR FAIRLY RAPIDLY INCLUDE:

Deviation of face to one side Weakness of limbs Numbness on one side of body Difficulty in speaking or understanding Imbalance while walking
Sudden severe headache Diagnosis: When one or more symptoms develop suddenly, the diagnosis must be confirmed at the earliest, as the treatments for stroke are effective only within the
first few hours. A clinical examination by a neurologist physi
cian followed by a brain scan can confirm the diag nosis of stroke.

RISK FACTORS:

Although strokes can affect anyone, they are more common among older people. The risk factors that increase one's chances of getting strokes can be classified into modifiable and non
modifiable.

Old age
Men are at higher risk than females untill the age of 50 Family history of stroke Previous history of stroke

EMERGENCY TREATMENT:

Stroke treatments are most effective, if administered in the first few hours after the onset of symptoms. This is because brain tissue is very sensitive to damage due to lack of blood supply . After four-and-a-half hours, the damage to the brain tissue becomes
irreversible, making treatment ineffective. The immediate treatment is clot-buster therapy , where medicines are given to dissolve the blood clot in the brain.This treatment is available in most major hospitals.

Emergency treatment also involves controlling blood sugar and blood pressure. Physiotherapy should be started at the earliest.

STROKE PREVENTION:

A person who never had a stroke can take measures to prevent it. Sugar and blood pressure should be checked, and if detected high, should be controlled. Smoking should be avoided. Maintain a balanced diet and keep yourself fit with regular physical activity . Maintain a healthy weight. Get 7-8 hours of sleep and avoid stress.